Small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to neurotrophic compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, their preparation and use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/693,003 filed Nov. 12, 1998, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to neurotrophic compounds having an affinity forFKBP-type immunophilins, their preparation and use as inhibitors of theenzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularlyinhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The term immunophilin refers to a number of proteins that serve asreceptors for the principal immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporin A(CsA), FK506, and rapamycin. Known classes of immunophilins arecyclophilins, and FK506 binding proteins, such as FKBP. Cyclosporin Abinds to cyclophilin while FK506 and rapamycin bind to FKBP. Theseimmunophilin-drug complexes interface with a variety of intracellularsignal transduction systems, especially in the immune system and thenervous system.

Immunophilins are known to have peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) orrotamase enzyme activity. It has been determined that rotamase activityhas a role in the catalyzation of the interconversion of the cis andtrans isomer of immunophilin proteins.

Immunophilins were originally discovered and studied in immune tissue.It was initially postulated by those skilled in the art that inhibitionof the immunophilins rotamase activity leads to the inhibition of T-cellproliferation, thereby causing the immunosuppressive action exhibited byimmunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A, FK506, and rapamycin.Further study has shown that the inhibition of rotamase activity, in andof itself, is not sufficient for immunosuppressant activity. Schreiberet al., Science, 1990 vol. 250 pp. 556-559. It has been shown that theimmunophilin-drug complexes interact with ternary protein targets astheir mode of action. Schreiber et al., Cell, 1991, vol. 66, pp.807-815. In the case of FKBP-FK506 and FKBP-CsA, the drug-immunophilincomplexes bind to the enzyme calcineurin, inhibitory T-cell receptorsignalling leading to T-cell proliferation. Similarly, the complex ofrapamycin and FKBP interacts with the RAFT1/FRAP protein and inhibitssignalling from the IL-2 receptor.

Immunophilins have been found to be present at high concentrations inthe central nervous system. Immunophilins are enriched 10-50 times morein the central nervous system than in the immune system. Within neuraltissues, immunophilins appear to influence neuronal process extension,nitric oxide synthesis, and neurotransmitter release.

It has been found that picomolar concentrations of an immunosuppressantsuch as FK506 and rapamycin stimulate neurite out growth in PC12 cellsand sensory nervous, namely dorsal root ganglion cells (DRGs). Lyons etal., Proc. of Natl. Acad. Sci., 1994 vol. 91, pp. 3191-3195. In wholeanimal experiments, FK506 has been shown to stimulate nerve regenerationfollowing facial nerve injury and results in functional recovery inanimals with sciatic nerve lesions.

Surprisingly, it has been found that drugs with a high affinity for FKBPare potent rotamase inhibitors causing a neurotrophic effect. Lyons etal. These findings suggest the use of immunosuppressants in treatingvarious peripheral neuropathies and enhancing neuronal regrowth in thecentral nervous system (CNS). Studies have demonstrated thatneurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson'sdisease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may occur due to theloss, or decreased availability, of a neurotrophic substance specificfor a particular population of neurons affected in the disorder.

Several neurotrophic factors effecting specific neuronal populations inthe central nervous system have been identified. For example, it hasbeen hypothesized that Alzheimer's disease results from a decrease orloss of nerve growth factor (NGF). It has thus been proposed to treatAlzheimer's patients with exogenous nerve growth factor or otherneurotrophic proteins such as brain derived nerve factor (BDNF), glialderived nerve factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotropin-3 toincrease the survival of degenerating neuronal populations.

Clinical application of these proteins in various neurological diseasestates is hampered by difficulties in the delivery and bioavailabilityof large proteins to nervous system targets. By contrast,immunosuppressant drugs with neurotrophic activity are relatively smalland display excellent bioavailability and specificity. However, whenadministered chronically, immunosuppressants exhibit a number ofpotentially serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, such asimpairment of glomerular filtration and irreversible interstitialfibrosis (Kopp et al., 1991, J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 1:162); neurologicaldeficits, such as involuntary tremors, or non-specific cerebral anginasuch as non-localized headaches (De Groen et al., 1987, N. Engl. J. Med.317:861); and vascular hypertension with complications resultingtherefrom (Kahan et al., 1989 N. Engl. J. Med. 321:1725).

In order to prevent the side effects associated with use of theimmunosuppressant compounds, the present invention providesnon-immunosuppressive compounds containing small molecule FKBP rotamaseinhibitors for promoting neuronal growth and regeneration in variousneuropathological situations where neuronal repair can be facilitatedincluding peripheral nerve damage by physical injury or disease statesuch as diabetes, physical damage to the central nervous system (spinalcord and brain) brain damage associated with stroke, and for thetreatment of neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration,including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophiclateral sclerosis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel class of neurotrophic compoundshaving an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins. Once bound to thisprotein the neurotrophic compounds are potent inhibitors of the enzymeactivity associated with immunophilin proteins and particularly rotamaseenzyme activity, thereby stimulating neuronal regeneration andoutgrowth. A key feature of the compounds of the present invention isthat they do not exert any significant immunosuppressive activity inaddition to their neurotrophic activity.

A preferred embodiment of this invention is a neurotrophic compound ofthe formula:

where

R₁ is selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₉ straight or branchedchain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C₃-C₈cycloalkyl, C₃ or C₅ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, where saidalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionallysubstituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, where Ar₁ isselected from the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl,3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-,4-pyridyl, and phenyl, having one to three substituents which areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl oralkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, andamino;

X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, methylene(CH₂), or H₂;

Y is selected from the group consisting of oxygen or NR₂, where R₂ ishydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl; and

Z is selected from the group consisting of C₂-C₆ straight or branchedchain alkyl or alkenyl,

wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁as defined above, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, and Ar₂ where Ar₂ isselected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl,3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, andphenyl, having one to three substituents which are independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro,trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;

Z may also be the fragment:

where

R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkylC₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁ as definedabove, and unsubstituted Ar₁;

X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl;

R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C₁-C₅ straight or branchedalkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts or hydrates thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of this invention is a neurotrophiccompound of the formula:

where

R₁ is a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl groupoptionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃ or C₅ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl orcycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl,C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl,3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, orphenyl, having one to three substituents which are independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro,trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;

Z is a C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein thealkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁ as definedabove, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight orunbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar₂ where Ar₂ is selected from thegroup consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl,2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one tothree substituents which are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy,phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts orhydrates thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of this invention is a neurotrophiccompound of the formula:

where

Z′ is the fragment:

where

R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkylC₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁ as definedabove, and unsubstituted Ar₁;

X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl;

R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C₁-C₅ straight or branchedalkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts or hydrates thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a neurotrophic compoundhaving an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibit therotamase activity of the immunophilin.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method fortreating a neurological disorder in an animal comprising administering atherapeutically effective amount of a compound having an affinity forFKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits the rotamase activity of theimmunophilin.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of promotingneuronal regeneration and growth in mammals, comprising administering toa mammal an effective amount of a neurotrophic compound having anaffinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits the rotamaseactivity of the immunophilin.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method ofpreventing neurodegeneration in an animal comprising administering to ananimal an effective amount of a neurotrophic compound having an affinityfor FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits rotamase activity of theimmunophilin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The novel neurotrophic compounds of this invention are relatively smallmolecules in relation to other known compounds which bind to FKBP-typeimmunophilins, such as rapamycin, FK506, and cyclosporin.

The neurotrophic compounds of this invention have an affinity for theFK506 binding proteins such as FKBP-12. When the neurotrophic compoundsof the invention are bound to the FKBP, they have been found tounexpectedly inhibit the prolyl- peptidyl cis-trans isomerase activity,or rotamase activity of the binding protein and stimulate neuritegrowth, while not exhibiting an immunosuppressant effect. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a novel class of neurotrophiccompounds represented by the formula:

where

R₁ is a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl groupoptionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃ or C₅ cycloalkyl, C₅‥C₇cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl orcycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl,C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl,3-furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, orphenyl, having one to three substituents which are independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro,trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;

X is oxygen, sulfur, methylene (CH₂), or H₂;

Y is oxygen or NR₂, where R₂ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl; and

Z is a C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein thealkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁ as definedabove, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight orunbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar₂ where Ar₂ is selected from thegroup consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl,2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one tothree substituents which are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C1-C4 alkenyloxy,phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;

Z may also be the fragment:

where

R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkylC₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁ as definedabove, and unsubstituted Ar₁;

X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl;

R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C₁-C₆ straight or branchedalkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts or hydrates thereof.

Preferred compounds have the following formula:

where

R₁ is a C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl groupoptionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃ or C₅ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl orcycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl,C₁-C₄ alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl,3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, orphenyl, having one to three substituents which are independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro,trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;

Z is a C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein thealkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar₁ as definedabove, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight orunbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar₂ where Ar₂ is selected from thegroup consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl,2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one tothree substituents which are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆straight or branched aikyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy,phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts orhydrates thereof.

In another preferred embodiment novel compounds of this invention arerepresented by the formula:

where

Z′ is the fragment:

where

R₃ is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkylC₁-C₈ optionally substituted with C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or Ar₁ as definedabove, or unsubstituted Ar₁;

X₂ is O or NR₅, where R₅ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl;

R₄ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C₁-C₅straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C₁-C₅ straight or branchedalkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts or hydrates thereof.

The compounds of this invention exist as stereoisomeric forms, eitherenantiomers or diastereoisomers. The stereochemistry at position 1(Formula 1) is R or S, with S preferred. Included within the scope ofthe invention are the enantiomers, the racemic form, anddiastereoisomeric mixtures. Enantiomers as well as diastereoisomers canbe separated by methods known to those skilled in the art.

It is known that immunophilins such as FKBP preferentially recognizepeptide substrates containing Xaa-Pro-Yaa motifs, where Xaa and Yaa arelipophilic amino acid residues. Schreiber et al. 1990 J. Org. Chem. 55,4984-4986; Harrison and Stein, 1990 Biochemistry, 29, 3813-3816. Thusmodified prolyl peptidomimetic compounds bearing lipophilic substituentsshould bind with high affinity to the hydrophobic core of the FKBPactive site and inhibit its rotamase activity.

Preferred compounds of the invention include:

3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-cyclohexyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-cyclohexyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

(1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

(1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

(1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

(1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

(1R)-1-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-cyclohexyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-4-cyclohexyl)butyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-furanyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-thienyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-thiazolyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-phenyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

1,7-diphenyl-4-heptyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-Phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxo-4-hydroxybutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamide,

1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethylester,

1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-leucine ethyl ester,

1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylglycine ethylester,

1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine phenylester,

1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine benzylester, and

1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-isoleucine ethyl ester.

The compounds of the present invention can be used in the form of saltsderived from inorganic or organic acids and bases. Included among suchacid salts are the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate,benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate butyrate, citrate, camphorate,camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate,ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate,hemissulfate heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide,hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate,methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalensulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate,pectinate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate andundecanoate. Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts suchas sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such ascalcium and magnesium salts, salt with organic bases such asdicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with aminoacids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basicnitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized with such agents as loweralkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride,bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyland diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyland stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyland phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersibleproducts are thereby obtained.

The neurotrophic compounds of this invention can be periodicallyadministered to a patient undergoing treatment for neurologicaldisorders or for other reasons in which it is desirable to stimulateneuronal regeneration and growth, such as in various peripheralneuropathic and neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration.The compounds of this invention can also be administered to mammalsother than humans for treatment of various mammalian neurologicaldisorders.

The novel compounds of the present invention are potent inhibitors ofrotamase activity and possess an excellent degree of neurotrophicactivity. This activity is useful in the stimulation of damaged neurons,the promotion of neuronal regeneration, the prevention ofneurodegeneration, and in the treatment of several neurologicaldisorders known to be associated with neuronal degeneration andperipheral neuropathies. The neurological disorders that may be treatedinclude but are not limited to: trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngealneuralgia, Bell's Palsy, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, progressivebulbar inherited muscular atrophy, herniated, ruptured or prolapsedinvertabrae disk syndromes, cervical spondylosis, plexus disorders,thoracic outlet destruction syndromes, peripheral neuropathic such asthose caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, prophyria, or Gullain-Barrésyndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

For these purposes the compounds of the present invention may beadministered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically,rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir indosage formulations containing conventional non-toxicpharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The termparenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous,intramuscular, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly,intrasternal and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

To be effective therapeutically as central nervous system targets theimmunophilin-drug complex should readily penetrate the blood-brainbarrier when peripherally administered. Compounds of this inventionwhich cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier can be effetivelyadministered by an intraventricular route.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterileinjectable preparation, for example as a sterile injectable aqueous oroleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according totechniques know in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agentsand suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be asterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxicparenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may beemployed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloridesolution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employedas a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oilmay be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acidssuch as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives find use in thepreparation of injectables, olive oil or castor oil, especially in theirpolyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may alsocontain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant.

The compounds may be administered orally in the form of capsules ortablets, for example, or as an aqueous suspension or solution. In thecase of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used includelactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate,are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form,useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueoussuspensions are required for oral use, the active ingredient is combinedwith emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweeteningand/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

The compounds of this invention may also be administered in the form ofsuppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositionscan be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritatingexcipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectaltemperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug.Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax ahd polyethylene glycols.

The compounds of this invention may also be administered optically,especially when the conditions addressed for treatment involve areas ororgans readily accessible by topical application, including neurologicaldisorders of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitabletopical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas.

For ophthalmic use, the compounds can be formulated as micronizedsuspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, assolutions is isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with orwithout a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternativelyfor the ophthalmic uses the compounds may be formulated in an ointmentsuch as petrolatum.

For application topically to the skin, the compounds can be formulatedin a suitable ointment containing the compound suspended or dissolvedin, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineraloil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol,polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water.Alternatively, the compounds can be formulated in a suitable lotion orcream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, forexample, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil,sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearylalcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

Topical application for the lower intestinal tract an be effected in arectal suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enemaformulation.

Dosage levels on the order of about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg. of theactive ingredient compound are useful in the treatment of the aboveconditions, with preferred levels of about 0.1 mg to about 1,000 mg. Theamount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carriermaterials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon thehost treated and the particular mode of administration.

It is understood, however, that a specific dose level for any particularpatient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity ofthe specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health,sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination,and the severity of the particular disease being treated and form ofadministration.

The compounds can be administered with other neurotrophic agents such asneurotrophic growth factor (NGF), glial derived growth factor, brainderived growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotropin-3.The dosage level of other neurotrophic drugs will depend upon thefactors previously stated and the neurotrophic effectiveness of the drugcombination.

K_(i) Test Procedure

Inhibition of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (rotamase) activity of theinventive compounds can be evaluated by known methods described in theliterature (Harding, M. W. et al. Nature 341: 758-760 (1989); Holt etal. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115: 9923-9938). These values are obtained asapparent K_(i)'s and are presented for some of Examples 1-30 in Table I.The cis-trans isomerization of an alanine-proline bond in a modelsubstrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, is monitoredspectrophotometrically in a chymotrypsin-coupled assay, which releasespara-nitroanilide from the trans form of the substrate. The inhibitionof this reaction caused by the addition of different concentrations ofinhibitor is determined, and the data is analyzed as a change infirst-order rate constant as a function of inhibitor concentration toyield the apparent K_(i) values.

In a plastic cuvette are added 950 mL of ice cold assay buffer (25 mMHEPES, pH 7.8, 100 mM NaCl), 10 mL of FKBP (2.5 mM in 10 mM Tris-Cl pH7.5, 100 mM NaCl, 1 mM dithiothreitol), 25 mL of chymotrypsin (50 mg/mlin 1 mM HCl) and 10 mL of test compound at various concentrations indimethyl sulfoxide. The reaction is initiated by the addition of 5 mL ofsubstrate (succinyl-Ala-Phe-Pro-Phe-para-nitroanilide, 5 mg/mL in 2.35mM LiCl in trifluoroethanol).

The absorbance at 390 nm versus time is monitored for 90 sec using aspectrophotometer and the rate constants are determined from theabsorbance versus time data files.

The data for these experiments is presented in Table I.

TABLE I FKBP ROTAMASE INHIBITION Example K_(i) nM 4 42 5 125 6 200 7 658 2500 9 160 10 52 24 9000

In mammalian cells, FKBP-12 complexes with the inositol triphosphatereceptor (IP₃R) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR). It is believed thatthe neurotrophic compounds of this invention disassociates FKBP-12 fromthese complexes causing the calcium channel to become “leaky” (Cameronet al., 1995). Calcium fluxes are involved in neurite extensions so thatthe IP₃R receptor and the ryanodine receptor might be involved in theneurotrophic effects of drugs. Since the drugs ind to the same site asFKBP-12 as the IP₃R receptor, one could assume that the drugs displacethe channels rom FKBP-12.

Chick Dorsal Root Ganglion Cultures and Neurite Outgrowth

Dorsal root ganglia were dissected from chick embryos of ten daygestation. Whole ganglion explants were cultured on thin layerMatrigel-coated 12 well plates with Liebovitz L15 plus high glucosemedia supplemented with 2 mM glutamine and 10% fetal calf serum, andalso containing 10 μM cytosine β-D arabinofuranoside (Ara C) at 37° C.in an environment containing 5% CO₂. Twenty-four hours later, the DRGswere treated with various concentrations of nerve growth factor,immunophilin ligands or combinations of NFG plus drugs. Forty-eighthours after drug treatment, the ganglia were visualized under phasecontrast or Hoffman Modulation contrast with a Zeiss Axiovert invertedmicroscope. Photomicrographs of the explants were made, and neuriteoutgrowth was quantitated. Neurites longer than the DRG diameter werecounted as positive, with total number of neurites quantitated per eachexperimental condition. Three to four DRGs are cultured per well, andeach treatment was performed in duplicate.

The data for these experiments are presented in Table II.

TABLE II Neurite Outgrowth in Chick DRG Example ED₅₀ (nM) 4 53 5 105 6149 7 190 8 850 9 75 10 — 24 —

The following examples are illustrative of preferred embodiments of theinvention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention thereto.All polymer molecular weights are mean average molecular weights. Allpercentages are based on the percent by weight of the final deliverysystem or formulation prepared unless otherwise indicated and all totalsequal 100% by weight.

EXAMPLES

The inventive compounds may be prepared by a variety of syntheticsequences that utilize established chemical transformations. The generalpathway to the present compounds is described in Scheme 1.N-glyoxylproline derivatives may be prepared by reacting L-prolinemethyl ester with methyl oxalyl chloride as shown in Scheme I. Theresulting oxamates may be reacted with a variety of carbon nucleophilesto obtain intermediates compounds. These intermediates are then reactedwith a variety of alcohols, amides, or protected amino acid residues toobtain the propyl esters and amides of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Synthesis of methyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.

A solution of L-proline methyl ester hydrochloride (3.08 g; 18.60 mmol)in dry methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C. and treated withtriethylamine (3.92 g; 38.74 mmol; 2.1 eq). After stirring the formedslurry under a nitrogen atmosphere for 15 min, a solution of methyloxalyl chloride (3.20 g; 26.12 mmol) in methylene chloride (45 mL) wasadded dropwise. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1.5 hr.After filtering to remove solids, the organic phase was washed withwater, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purifiedon a silica gel column, eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexane, toobtain 3.52 g (88%) of the product as a reddish oil. Mixture ofcis-trans amide rotamers; data for trans rotamer given. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃):d 1.93 (dm, 2H); 2.17 (m, 2H) 3.62 (m, 2H); 3.71 (s, 3H); 3.79, 3.84 (s, 3H total); 4.86 (dd, 1H, J=8.4, 3.3).

EXAMPLE 2

General procedure for the synthesis of pyrrolidinyl alkyl oxamates.Exemplified for methyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.

A solution of methyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (2.35 g;10.90 mmol) in 30 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) was cooled to −78° C. andtreated with 14.2 mL of a 1.0 M solution of 1,1-dimethylpropylmagnesiumchloride in THF. After stirring the resulting homogeneous mixture at−78° C. for three hours, the mixture was poured into saturated ammoniumchloride (100 mL) and extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic phasewas washed with water, dried, and concentrated, and the crude materialobtained upon removal of the solvent was purified on a silica gelcolumn, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 2.10 g (75%)of the oxamate as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): d 0.88 (t, 3H); 1.22,1.26 (s, 3H each); 1.75 (dm, 2H); 1.87-2.10 (m, 3H); 2.23 (m, 1H); 3.54(m, 2H); 3.76 (s, 3H); 4.52 (dm, 1H, J=8.4, 3.4).

EXAMPLE 3

General procedure for the preparation of pyrrolidine carboxylic acids.Exemplified for(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid.

A mixture of methyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (2.10 g;8.23 mmol), 1 N LiOH (15 mL), and methanol (50 mL) was stirred at 0° C.for 30 min and at room temperature overnight. The mixture was acidifiedto pH 1 with 1 N HCl, diluted with water, and extracted into 100 mL ofmethylene chloride. The organic extract was washed with brine andconcentrated to deliver 1.73 g (87%) of snow-white solid which did notrequire further purification. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): d 0.87 (t, 3H); 1.22, 1.25(s, 3H each); 1.77 (dm, 2H); 2.02 (m, 2H); 2.17 (m, 1H); 2.25 (m, 1H);3.53 (dd, 2H, J=10.4, 7.3); 4.55 (dd, 1H, J=8.6, 4.1).

EXAMPLE 4

General procedure for the synthesis of prolyl esters. Exemplified for3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate. Amixture of(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid (600mg; 2.49 mmol), 3-phenyl-1-propanol (508 mg; 3.73 mmol),dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (822 mg; 3.98 mmol), camphorsuiphonic acid (190mg; 0.8 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (100 mg; 0.8 mmol) inmethylene chloride (20 mL) was stirred overnight under a nitrogenatmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to removesolids and concentrated in vacuo, and the crude material was purified ona flash column (25% ethyl acetate in hexane) to obtain 720 mg (80%) ofthe product as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): d 0.84 (t, 3H); 1.19 (s,3H); 1.23 (s, 3H); 1.70 (dm, 2H); 1.98 (m, 5H); 2.22 (m, 1H); 2.64 (m,2H); 3.47 (m, 2H); 4.14 (m, 2H); 4.51 (d, 1H); 7.16 (m, 3H); 7.26 (m,2H).

EXAMPLE 5

3-Phenyl-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 80%, ¹HNMR (360 Mhz, CDCl₃): d 0.86 (t, 3H); 1.21 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H);1.54-2.10 (m, 5H); 2.10-2.37 (m, 1H); 3.52-3.55 (m, 2H); 4.56 (dd, 1H,J=3.8, 8.9); 4.78-4.83 (m, 2H); 6.27 (m, 1H); 6.67 (dd, 1H, J=15.9);7.13-7.50 (m, 5H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3from (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylicacid.

EXAMPLE 6

3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 61%, ¹HNMR (CDCl₃): d 0.84 (t, 3H); 1.15 (s, 3H); 1.24 (s, 3H); 1.71 (dm, 2H);1.98 (m, 5H); 2.24 (m, 1H); 2.63 (m, 2H); 3.51 (t, 2H); 3.79 (s, 3H);3.83 (s, 3H); 4.14 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 1H); 6.36 (s, 2H). This compoundwas prepared by the method of Example 3 from(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 7

3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 66%, ¹HNMR (CDCl₃): d 0.85 (t, 3H); 1.22 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.50-2.11 (m,5H); 2.11-2.40 (m, 1H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.88 (s, 6H); 4.56(dd, 1H); 4.81 (m, 2H); 6.22 (m, 1H); 6.58 (d, 1H, J=16); 6.63 (s, 2H).This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 8

3-,4,5-Dichlorophenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 70%, ¹HNMR (CDCl₃): d 0.85 (t, 3H); 1.21 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.51-1.87 (m,2H); 1.87-2.39 (m, 4H); 3.51-3.57 (m, 2H); 4.50-4.61 (dd, 1H, J=3.4,8.6); 4.80 (d, 2H, J=6.0); 6.20-6.34 (m, 1H); 6.50-6.66 (d, 1H, J=16);7.13-7.24 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 8.3); 7.39 (d, 1H, J=8.3); 7.47 (s, 1H). Thiscompound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 9

3-(4,5-Methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 82%, ¹HNMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃): d 0.86 (t, 3H); 1.22 (s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H);1.60-2.10 (m, 5H); 3.36-3.79 (m, 2H); 4.53 (dd, 1H, J=3.8, 8.6);4.61-4.89 (m, 2H); 5.96 (s, 2H); 6.10 (m, 1H); 6.57 (dd, 1H, J=6.2,15.8); 6.75 (d, 1H, J=8.0); 6.83 (dd, 1H, J=1.3, 8.0); 6.93 (s, 1H).This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 10

(1R)-1,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 90%, ¹HNMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃): d 0.85 (t, 3H); 1.20 (s, 3H); 1.23 (s, 3H);1.49-2.39 (m, 7H); 2.46-2.86 (m, 2H); 3.25-3.80 (m, 2H); 4.42-4.82 (m,1H); 5.82 (td, 1H, J=1.8, 6.7); 7.05-7.21 (m, 3H); 7.21-7.46 (m, 7H).This compound was prepared by the method of Example 3 from(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid.

EXAMPLE 11

The requisite substituted alcohols may be prepared by a number ofmethods known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis. Asdescribed in Scheme II, substituted benzaldehydes may be homologated tophenyl propanols by reaction with methyl(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-acetate to provide a variety oftrans-cinnamates; these latter may be reduced to the saturated alcoholsby reaction with excess lithium aluminum hydride, or sequentially byreduction of the double bond by catalytic hydrogenation and reduction ofthe saturated ester by appropriate reducing agents. Alternatively, thetrans-cinnamates may be reduced to (E)-allylic alcohols by the use ofdiisobutylaluminum hydride.

Longer chain alcohols may be prepared by homologation of benzylic andhigher aldehydes. Alternatively, these aldehydes IIay be prepared byconversion of the corresponding phenylacetic and higher acids, andphenethyl and higher alcohols.

EXAMPLE 12

General procedure for the synthesis of acrylic esters, exemplified formethyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

A solution of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (5.0 g; 25.48 mmol) andmethyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate (10.0 g; 29.91 mmol) intetrahydrofuran (250 mL) was refluxed overnight. After cooling, thereaction mixture was diluted with 200 mL of ethyl acetate and washedwith 2×200 mL of water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The cruderesidue was chromatographed on a silica gel column, eluting with 25%ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 5.63 g (88%) of the cinnamate as awhite crystalline solid, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): d 3.78 (s, 3H) ; 3.85(s, 6H); 6.32 (d, 1H, J=16); 6.72 (s, 2H); 7.59 (d, 1H, J=16).

EXAMPLE 13

Methyl (4,5-dichloro)-trans-cinnamate, 80%, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz; CDCl₃): d3.79 (s, 3H); 6.40 (d, 1H, J=16.8); 7.32 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 8.1); 7.44 (d,1H, J=8.1); 7.56 (d, 1H, J=16); 7.58 (s, 1H). This compound was preparedby the method of Example 11 from 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 14

Methyl (4,5-methylenedioxy)-trans-cinnamate, 74%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz;CDCl₃): d 3.79 (s, 3H); 6.01 (s, 2H); 6.26 (d, 1H, J=16); 6.81 (d, 1H,J=7.9); 7.00 (d, 1H, J=8.2); 7.03 (s, 1H); 7.60 (d, 1H, J=16). Thiscompound was prepared by the method of Example 11 from3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 15

Methyl (2-cyclohexyl)-(E)-acrylate, 80%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): d1.12-1.43 (m, 5H) ; 1.52-1.87 (m, 5H); 2.12 (m, 1H); 3.71 (s, 3H); 5.77(dd, 1H, J=1.2, 15.8); 6.92 (dd, 1H, J=6.8, 15.8). This compound wasprepared by the method of Example 11 from 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 16

General procedure for the synthesis of saturated alcohols from acrylicesters. Exemplified for 3,4,5-trimethoxy) phenylpropanol.

A solution of methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-trans-cinnamate (1.81 g; 7.17mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) was added in a dropwise manner to asolution of lithium aluminum hydride (14 mmol) in THF (35 mL), withstirring and under an argon atmosphere. After the addition was complete,the mixture was heated to 75° C. for 4 hours. After cooling, it wasquenched by the careful addition of 15 mL of 2 N NaOH followed by 50 mLof water. The resulting mixture was filtered through Celite to removesolids, and the filter cake was washed with ethyl acetate. The combinedorganic fractions were washed with water, dried, concentrated in vacuo,and purified on a silica gel column, eluting with ethyl acetate toobtain 0.86 g (53%) of the alcohol as a clear oil, ¹H NMR (300 Mhz;CDCl₃): d 1.23 (br, 1H); 1.87 (m, 2H); 2.61 (t, 2H, J=7.1); 3.66 (t,2H); 3.80 (s, 3H); 3.83 (s, 6H); 6.40 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 17

General procedure for the synthesis of trans-allylic alcohols fromacrylic esters. Exemplified for (3,4,5-trimethoxy)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol.

A solution of methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-trans-cinnamate (1.35 g; 5.35mmol) in toluene (25 mL) was cooled to −10° C. and treated with asolution of diisobutylaluminum hydride in toluene (11.25 mL of a 1.0 Msolution; 11.25 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hrs at 0°C. and then quenched with 3 mL of methanol followed by 1 N HCl until thepH was 1. The reaction mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate and theorganic phase was washed with water, dried and concentrated.Purification on a silica gel column eluting with 25% ethyl acetate inhexane furnished 0.96 g (80%) of a thick oil, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): d3.85 (s, 3H); 3.87 (s, 6H); 4.32 (d, 2H, J=5.6); 6.29 (dt, 1H, J=15.8,5.7), 6.54 (d, 1H, J=15.8); 6.61 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 18

(4,5-dichloro)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol, 89%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): d1.55 (s, 1H); 4.34 (d, 2H, J=4.4); 6.36 (dt, 1H, J=15.9, 5.3); 6.54 (d,1H, J=15.9); 7.20 (dd, 1H, J=8.3, 1.7); 7.38 (d, 1H, J=8.3); 7.45 (d,1H, J=1.6). This compound was prepared by the method of Example 16 from(3,4,5-tri-methoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

EXAMPLE 19

(4,5-methylenedioxy)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol, 80%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃):d 1.59 (br, 1H); 4.29 (br, 2H); 5.96 (s, 2H); 6.20 (dt, 1H, J=15.8,5.9); 6.52 (d, 1H, J=15.8); 6.76 (d, 1H, J=8.0); 6.82 (dd, 1H, J=8.0,1.2); 6.93 (d, 1H, J=1.2). This compound was prepared by the method ofExample 16 from (3,4,5-tri-methoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

EXAMPLE 20

Phenylprop-2-(E)-enol, 85%, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): d 1.72 (br, 1H);4.31 (d, 2H, J=5.7); 6.36 (dt, 1H, J=15.9, 5.7); 6.61 (d, H, J=15.9);7.02-7.55 (m, 5H). This compound was prepared by the method of Example16 from (3,4,5-tri-methoxy)-trans-cinnamate.

EXAMPLE 21

Alcohols containing a substituent at the 1-position of the side chainmay be conveniently prepared by addition of appropriate nugleophiles toaldehydes, as described in Scheme III. In cases where optically activesubstituted alcohols are desired, the racemic alcohols may be oxidizedto prochiral ketones and subjected to asymmetric reduction by one ofseveral methods well known to those skilled in the art.

EXAMPLE 22

General procedure for the preparation of 1-substituted alkanols,exemplified for the synthesis of 1,3-diphenylpropanol.

A solution of 2-(bromoethyl)benzene (17.45 g; 94.3 mmol) in 50 mL of drydiethyl ether was added dropwise, under a nitrogen atmosphere, to astirred slurry of magnesium turnings (2.50 g; 102.8 mmol) in 50 mL ofether. The mixture was initially heated with a heat gun until reflux hadbecome self-sustaining. After the addition was complete, the mixture washeated externally for 30 min to maintain reflux. A solution of 10.01 g(94.3 mmol) of benzaldehyde in 20 mL of ether was then added dropwise,and reflux was continued for 30 min. After cooling, the reaction mixturewas poured into 150 mL of saturated ammonium chloride and extracted intoethyl acetate. The crude material obtained upon removal of the solventwas purified on a flash column, eluting with 5% ethyl acetate/hexane to20% ethyl acetate, to obtain 13.73 g (69%) of the alkanol as a lightyellow oil, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): d 1.93-2.30 (m, 3H); 2.70-2.90 (m,2H); 4.72 (br, 1H); 7.19-7.27 (m, 3H); 7.27-7.36 (m, 3H); 7.36-7.47 (m,4H).

EXAMPLE 23

General procedure for conversion of racemic 1-substituted alkanols tooptically active 1-substituted alkanols via prochiral ketones.Exemplified for (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propanol.

A solution of racemic 1,3-diphenyl-1-propanol (1.26 g; 5.94 mmol) wasdissolved in 10 mL of acetone, and Jones reagent was added untilpersistence of the orange color. After stirring for 30 min, the reactionwas quenched by adding 2 mL of 2-propanol. The solvent was decanted awayfrom the precipitated solids, which were washed with ethyl acetate. Thecombined organic fractions were washed with 2×20 mL of water, dried andconcentrated. The crude product was filtered through a plug of silicagel, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate/hexane, to obtain 1.07 g (86%) of1,3-diphenylpropanone as a white crystalline solid, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz;CDCl₃): d 3.09 (t, 2H, J=8.1); 3.33 (t, 2H, J8.1); 7.29 (m, 5H); 7.49(m, 3H); 7.98 (m, 2H).

A solution of 1,3-diphenylpropanone (1.07 g; 5.09 mmol) intetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was cooled to −23° C. and treated with anasymmetric reducing agent, (+)-B-chlorodiisopinocampheyl-borane (1.80 g;5.60 mmol) in 20 mL THF, and the resulting solution was allowed to standovernight at −23° C. After evaporating to dryness, the residue wastreated with ether (65 mL) and diethanolamine (1.0 g) and stirred for 3hrs. The mixture was then filtered to remove solids and concentrated,and the residue was purified using gradient elution (5% ethylacetate/hexane to 10% ethyl acetate) on a silica gel column to obtain660 mg (61%) of (1R)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propanol as a crystalline whitesolid, ¹H NMR (360 Mhz; CDCl₃): d 1.95-2.15 (m, 3H); 2.59-2.78 (m, 2H);4.65 (dd, 1H, J=5.4, 7.8); 7.14-7.35 (m, 10H).

EXAMPLE 24

General procedure for the synthesis of prolyl dipeptides, exemplifiedfor 1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethylester.

A mixture of(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid (1.17g; 4.85 mmol), L-phenylalanine ethyl ester hydrochloride (1.23 g; 5.33mmol), dicyclohexylcarbo-diimide (1.10 g; 5.33 mmol) and4-dimethylaminopyridine (60 mg (4.85 mmol) in methylene chloride (25 mL)was treated with triethylamine (1 mL; 726 mg; 7.17 mmol) and stirredovernight. The mixture was filtered through Celite to remove solids andconcentrated, and the crude material from removal of the solvent waspurified on a silica gel column eluting with 30% ethyl acetate/hexane toobtain 2.02 g of1-[1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-L-phenylalanine ethylester, 100%, ¹H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃): d 0.87 (t, 3H); 1.16-1.28 (m, 9H);1.58-1.91 (m, 5H); 2.33 (m, 1H); 3.07-3.20 (m, 2H); 3.38-3.41 (m, 2H);4.11-4.18 (m, 4H); 4.55 (d, 1H, J=6.5); 4.78-4.80 (m, 1H); 7.15 (br d,1H); 7.19 (m, 5H).

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention and all suchmodification are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A neurotrophic N-glyoxyl prolyl ester or amidecompound having an affinity for an FKBP-type immunophilin wherein theimmunophilin exhibits rotamase activity and the neurotrophic N-glyoxylprolyl ester or amide compound inhibits the rotamase activity of theimmunophilin at a concentration of less than or equal to 9000 nM.
 2. Theneurotrophic N-glyoxyl prolyl ester or amide compound of claim 1,wherein the FKBK-type immunophilin is FKBP-12.